Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Since you're aware of all this, Ms. Riley, I'd appreciate it if you'd watch your

words around my son in the future. No matter what happens, I'll always be Mario's mother. Even if I lose custody, loving and caring for him is both my right and my responsibility as his mom. You really don't need to worry about that—or ask me for permission."

Lorna arched a brow at that.

Briony turned away, walked around the front of the car, and slid into the driver's

seat.

Carol said goodbye to Lorna, then climbed in as well.

The car started up and pulled away from Southcreek Manor.

Lorna turned and walked back inside.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Stewart's gaze lingered on the car as it disappeared from view.

It was the height of summer, but the man was still wearing a black leather glove on his left hand.

"Still not done staring?" Lorna moved to his side and shot him a glance, taking in his sharp, gaunt profile. "She just snapped at me, you know. Mother hen in full force-pretty fierce."

"Don't use the kid to get a rise out of her," Stewart replied, his voice cool. "She's been through hell for those children, especially for Mario. Losing him and then getting him back-no one values him more than she does."

"If you know how much he means to her, why did you take him in the first place?" Lorna said, unable to resist stirring the pot. "Honestly, after today, I can tell-she absolutely despises you."

lips into a

trust me when a woman like that decides

indifferent glance.

rolled her eyes. "You're

Briony got home, she called Dr. Ferdinand right

He arrived soon after.

giving Mario a gentle massage, Ferdinand prescribed some medicine to help lower his

ready, Briony

tasted awful, but Mario was a good kid-he drank

started to

his fever gone, Mario perked up considerably. Ever

sat at his little desk to

had already heard about Mario's situation

apart, Ferdinand could tell Mario had changed a

"Mario's a bright kid. Maybe being with Stewart is for the best-Stewart can give him every opportunity,

I'm

Mario will

diligently working,

for him to be healthy and happy. That's enough for